What does arpeggiation refer to in music?

Arpeggiation in music refers to the technique of playing the notes of a chord sequentially, one note at a time, rather than simultaneously. This creates a flowing or cascading effect, which can add texture and emotional depth to a piece. When musicians arpeggiate a triad, they are highlighting the individual notes that make up the chord, allowing for greater expressiveness and variation in performance. This approach is particularly effective in genres such as classical music, where arpeggiation can enhance both melodic lines and harmonic progressions.

The other options do not accurately describe arpeggiation. Playing a chord all at once refers to a blocked chord style, which is distinct from the individual note sequence of arpeggiation. Fast scales involve playing a series of notes in a rapid, sequential manner, typically following a scale pattern, and do not involve chords. Maintaining a steady beat is related to rhythm and timing, which are foundational elements of music but do not directly pertain to the concept of arpeggiation.